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Braves view Chris Withrow as potential future closer

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

As Chris Withrow continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, the Braves can only think about the long-term potential he can bring to their bullpen after picking him up in a trade with the Dodgers on Wednmesday.

"We feel like he has a chance to pitch real late in games," Braves assistant general manager John Coppolella said, per MLB.com. "He has the stuff where at some point he could close. It's a really good arm."

The 2007 first-round pick (20th) has been a pretty strong reliever in his MLB career. He is 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 46 career appearances. He is striking out 11.4 batters per nine innings. Although, he also has some control issues, as he has walked 5.0 batters per nine innings.

Withrow's fastball ranges from 93-98 mph and he has a plus-plus slider.

The Braveshave acquired infielder Juan Uribe and pitcher Chris Withrow from the Dodgers in a six-player trade, the team announced on Wednesday.

Uribe was part of a crowded infield in Los Angeles and was hitting .247 with six RBI in 81 at-bats this season. Withrow is yet to pitch this season after posting a 2.95 ERA in 21 1/3 innings of work in 2014.

Dodgers pitcher Chris Withrow is expected to be a part of the trade involving the Braves and Dodgers on Tuesday, sources told FoxSports.

Withrow would be sent to the Braves as part of the deal. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he is expected to be back during the second half of the season. Withrow produced a 2.95 ERA over 21 1/3 innings last season for the Dodgers.

Withrow is still recovering from June Tommy John surgery, and the three-month timetable for rehab after his back surgery won't affect his overall timetable, which should have him back in action in midseason. He posted a 2.95 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings in 2014 before going under the knife.